DTI publishes renewables figures

Renewables provided 4.2% of electricity generated in Britain in 2005 - up from 3.6% the previous year - Government figures released on Thursday show.

In total, Britain produced 16,919 GWh of renewable-derived electricity in 2005, or 2,748 GWh more than in 2004, the DTI reported.

Electricity production from the co-firing of biomass with fossil fuels, which grew by more than 150%, producing 1,511 GWh more electricity in 2005 compared to 2004, accounted for a large part of the increase.

Other important contributions to the growth included onshore wind, which increased by 44% producing an extra 769 GWh in 2005, landfill gas, which gave 287 GWh, offshore wind and small-scale hydroelectric projects which gave around 200 GWh each.

Most of the renewable energy produced in 2005 fell under the Renewables Obligation, with 4% of electricity sales coming from renewables eligible for RO certificates, up from 3.1% in 2004.

The data was released as part of the latest Energy Trends report form the DTI. More detailed figures on renewable energy production and consumption will be published at the end of July, the DTI said.

Britain has been monitoring the share of renewables in its energy and electricity production for 17 years. Current policies such as the Renewables Obligation or capital grants for offshore wind and energy crops aim to meet Britain's target 12% of electricity from renewables by 2010.